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Josef BreuerAustrian physician, friend and mentor of Sigmund Freud
Date of Birth: 15.01.1842
Country:  Austria |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Medical Career
- Collaboration with Sigmund Freud
- Psychoanalysis and Beyond
- Scientific Contributions
Early Life and Education
Josef Breuer, an Austrian physician, was born in Vienna, the son of Leopold Breuer, a teacher of religion, and Herta Breuer, née Semler. His mother passed away when he was young, and he lived with his grandmother and was educated by his father until the age of eight. In 1858, he completed his studies at the Vienna Academic Gymnasium and began his medical education at the University of Vienna.
Medical Career
After graduating in 1867, Breuer became an assistant to his teacher, the therapist Johann Oppolzer. Upon Oppolzer's death, Breuer established a successful private practice, treating prominent colleagues and members of Viennese high society. He married Matilda Altman in 1868, with whom he had five children, one of whom (Dora) later committed suicide.
Collaboration with Sigmund Freud
Breuer is best known for his collaboration with Sigmund Freud in the study of Anna O. (Bertha Pappenheim), a patient suffering from hysterical paralysis. Through hypnosis, Breuer discovered that her symptoms were related to repressed traumatic experiences and could be alleviated by bringing them to consciousness. This method became known as the "cathartic method."
Psychoanalysis and Beyond
Together with Freud, Breuer published "Studies on Hysteria" in 1895, which outlined their findings. Breuer proposed the term "psychoanalysis" for their method. Despite claims of a cure, Anna O. continued to experience mental distress and required further treatment.
Scientific Contributions
In addition to his work in psychology, Breuer made significant contributions to physiology. He demonstrated the role of the vagus nerve in regulating respiration (Hering-Breuer reflex) and studied the function of the semicircular canals in maintaining balance (Mach-Breuer theory). Breuer also researched thermoregulation in the human body. In 1894, he was elected a corresponding member of the Vienna Academy of Sciences.
